Warrant issued for man allegedly responsible for Somerset, Swansea, Seekonk, Attleboro break-ins

SOMERSET — Chief Todd Costa reports that, after a diligent investigation by Somerset Police Detectives, an arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect wanted in connection with several serial break-ins, including two recent break-ins at Railway Café and Sav-On Gas.

On Sept. 27, Somerset Police responded to reports of two break-ins at the Railway Café and Sav-On Gas, both located on Grand Army of the Republic Highway in Somerset. During the initial investigation of the break-ins, officers determined that the suspect had gained entry at both locations by smashing out windows, subsequently targeting the cash registers.

Video surveillance obtained from the scene and from houses and businesses nearby showed that 49-year-old David Dunham, of Cumberland was seen casing the area in a pickup truck prior to the break-ins.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Detectives James Cardella and Donald Cormier determined that the same suspect was responsible for a number of serial breaks in Somerset, Swansea, Seekonk, Attleboro and Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Through the efforts of partner law enforcement agencies and with the assistance of the Rhode Island Fusion Center, the Cranston Police Department and the Pawtucket Police Department, Dunham was identified as the suspect.

Somerset Detectives subsequently located the vehicle used by Dunham during the break-ins at a house in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. A search warrant executed on the truck yielded a number of clothing items used by the suspect during his crime spree.

Dunham, who is currently in custody at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections in Cranston, faces charges of Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime with the Intent to Commit a Felony (Two Counts), Larceny from a Building (Two Counts), Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,200 (Two Counts), and Being a Common and Notorious Thief.

“This case, representing a rash of property crimes in our community, was solved using a combination of modern technology and good old-fashioned ‘gumshoe’ police work,” Chief Costa said. “I commend all of the agencies and officers involved in this investigation for their willingness to share information and work together as a team.”